Under-eye wrinkles, smile lines or crows feet, whatever you call them, are easy to acquire and equally as difficult to ditch.
Most can spot them when they laugh, squint, or furrow their brow – It's the curse that comes along with having an exceptionally expressive face.
While it certainly isn't making most lose sleep at night, we will admit that we're slightly concerned that they will stretch and deepen, making us look even more tired than we actually are.
That begs the question, what can one do to prevent eye wrinkles from forming and treat those that are already existing?
One word: Retinol.
Retinol, retinoic acid and pro-retinols are all forms of vitamin A, which are used topically in skincare.
It is used for its skin-restoring properties by improving cell communication, which enhances the skin’s overall quality, and is said to increase collagen production with impressive results.
Retinol can be restrictive, so there has never been a better time to start including it in your skincare routine.
For a total rundown on how we should be using the anti-ageing powerhouse, we got in touch with Dublin-based skincare specialist Ciara Darcy, who detailed one of her hero products.
"Retinol is the number one ingredient for skin regeneration," she tells Irish Tatler.
"It sends a signal to your skin to create healthy new cells. This increases cell turnover by boosting collagen and elastin production. From the age of 25, retinol is a staple product in my opinion. The trouble with retinol is that the results achieved are so varied depending on each individual brand, their delivery system and what they've mixed it with.
"My advice is to begin with a low-strength retinol and apply it once/twice a week at night," she says.
"It's important to cleanse the following morning and to apply a high factor SPF. An SPF is crucial, retinol makes your skin more sensitive to light. For this reason, it is not suitable during pregnancy."
Retinol is, however, for everyone, she continues. "For oily, dry, normal and combination skin."
"It will work for all skin conditions; acne, premature ageing, pigmentation. If your skin is super sensitive with persistent redness (rosacea) go for a skin consultation before including it in your skincare routine."
As for what Ciara uses in her personal kit?
"For nearly two years I've used AlumierMD Retinol Resurfacing Serum every second night (I stop it a week before and after I do peels or micro-needling). It is the hardest working product I own, it's not the cheapest but I promise you it's worth the investment.
"Its ingredients include Microencapsulated Retinol (A vitamin A derivative and antioxidant that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves texture and tone by strengthening skin, improving elasticity and increasing skin turnover), Niacinamide (which increases ceramide and free fatty acids in the skin) and MATRIXYL™ Synthe'6™ (that strengthens the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.)
"If you would like to access to the website here to learn more about it or purchase it, my code is 4A149499."
Main image by @glossier
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